LIVE: Real Madrid (Spain) v Al-Ain (UAE) | FIFA Club World Cup 2018
Match info:
Match K.O. @ 18:30 Cairo Local Time | 11:30 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Zayed Sports City Stadium
FIFA Club World Cup 2018 FINAL
One thing is guaranteed on Saturday when the Fifa Club World Cup final between Al Ain and Real Madrid takes place at 8.30pm at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
There will be heroes on the evening as players step up to decide the destiny of the trophy.
Will it be Real Madrid for a record fourth time and a third occasion in a row?
Or can Al Ain claim a stunning victory, becoming the first side outside Europe or Brazil to win the competition with a result that would put the club and UAE football firmly on the world footballing map?
Here is a look at some of the likely candidates to take centre stage on Saturday.
Al-Ain
Hussein El Shahat (Al Ain) Typically operating on the opposite flank to Caio, the Egyptian winger has been one of the standouts this month. El Shahat found the net in the quarter-final against Esperance de Tunis, winning man of the match, and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out against River. Again, allies real speed with a willingness to take on opponents. Key to Al Ains attacking thrust
Caio (Al Ain) Disappointed that his impressive displays had not yet yielded a goal for himself, the Brazilian duly delivered against River Plate. Caio struck the equaliser not long into the second half, a brilliant solo effort that pushed the game to extra-time and penalties. He then scored first in the shootout. The wingers performances have been electric, and his pace and trickery should cause Madrids backline problems.
Khalid Essa GK (Al Ain) What a tournament thus far for the Al Ain goalkeeper. Essa was brilliant in the shootout in the opener against Team Wellington, saving twice to save the hosts blushes, then again in the incredible semi-final victory against River Plate. Palmed away Rivers final penalty, after making a host of fine stops during normal time, to seal a place in the showpiece. Has two man-of-the-match gongs. However, more heroics most likely needed.
Real Madrid
Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) His hat-trick in the semi-final against Kashima Antlers a reminder of just how good the Welshman can be when on form. Often steps up on the big occasion, having scored goals in two Uefa Champions League final and a stunning goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. Keeping him quiet will be one of the biggest challenges for Al Ain
Luka Modric (Real Madrid) Has the chance to end an exceptional year that has him win the Champions League with his club side, help Croatia to a first ever World Cup final and then won the Ballon d’Or in December, being the first person to be awarded it not called Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi since 2007. Will look to pull Al Ain apart from centre of the park with his incisive passing.
Thibaut Courtois GK (Real Madrid) The Belgian signed from Chelsea in the summer and this is his chance for his first silverware with the La Liga side. An imposing figure in the Real goal, he is in good form and he will be aware he may need to step up and be the hero if Al Ain can force a third penalty shootout in their four games at the tournament.
